Jesters offers gourmet pies and other baked products along with coffee and cakes. It also specialises in chips which are unique to the Jesters brand.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF THE PERTH FRANCHSISING AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EXPO?

Terry Sherlock, general manager, says “We are looking for exposure of our revamped franchise, which has grown to include products baked fresh in store.”

WHERE IS THE BUSINESS AT TODAY?

“We have expanded our range of products dramatically to provide a selling opportunity throughout the day covering the breakfast, lunch and afternoon trade. We have a low on-site preparation requirement with most of the product arriving pre-baked or ready to sell. We also want to simplify the labour costs in-store and maximise the retail space,” says Sherlock.

Jesters currently has 30 franchised outlets in Perth and 19 in New Zealand. It has just opened its second international franchise in South Korea and will expand further to other countries.

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED FOR NEW FRANCHISEES?

Jesters’ franchise fee is $35,000 with fit-outs from $150,000. The franchise also charges a six percent royalty and five percent marketing fee.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR 2011?

“To open new style stores in WA and start the move interstate. We are investing heavily in our kitchens to improve productivity and our current shops will be upgraded over the next two years,” explains Sherlock.

Jesters’ current focus is the Asia Pacific region and there are plans to sign up another license in the next 12 months.